Research Administration: Frequently Asked Questions

From SIResearchInnovationOffice

How much does it cost to:

This section is meant to give SI Faculty, Staff and Students a sense of what things cost at the University of Michigan. However, PLEASE communicate with the Research Office Staff [1] before talking to anyone about budgets outside the School of Information. It ensures that we are consistent with what we say and how we present our budgets and also keeps the chances of “surprises” from occurring when negotiating budgets with your colleagues both within the University of Michigan and other potential outside partners.

The University of Michigan’s current indirect cost rate (IDC) for federal and corporate sponsors is 52%. The IDC rate for Foundation or other sponsors varies. Please do not forget this charge. It is charged on all items except tuition, equipment (one item costing over $5,000) and is charged only on the first $25,000 of a subcontract. NSF also does not allow IDC to be charged against expenses related to workshops and meetings (known as “Participant Support Costs” – note – this does NOT refer to subject payments). On average it is prudent to budget an increase of 4% for stipends and salary and 6-8% for tuition in the out years of your budgets.

SI Graduate Student Research Assistant (FY 08)

• SI Stipend (during the academic year a 50% appointment is usually FULL TIME)
  • One Term - 50% appointment = $7,600
  • Full 12 months stipend for 50% appointment = $22,800
  • Fall and Winter Terms at 50%, Summer at 100% = $30,400
• SI Fringe Benefits = 25% of stipend (this includes GradCare and, if employed for over one year, Dental)
• SI Tuition
  • Federal Sponsor = $7,917 per term
  • Non-Federal Sponsor = $7,779 for in-state student and $15,734 for out-state per term
  • Candidate = $5,044 per term

An important note about College of Engineering Students – the cost of a College of Engineering graduate student is more than a SI student. We pay them at the SI salary rate but their tuition will automatically get charged the larger tuition amount. Their tuition numbers are:

• CoE Tuition
  • Federal Sponsor = $8,238 per term
  • Non-Federal Sponsor = $8,862 for in-state student and $16,686 for out-state per term
  • Candidate = $6,129 per term

Temporary Employees (the rates given are standard but exceptions can be made)

• Graduate Students
  • Salary - $12-$15 per hour
  • Fringe – 7.65% unless they are a full time student and then fringes are $0
• Undergraduate Students
  • Salary - $8-$10 per hour
  • Fringe - 7.65% unless they are a full time student and then fringes are $0